Cavities are one of the most common issues that a general dentist treats. These are small holes that are created by acids produced by oral bacteria eating away at teeth surfaces.
Cavities start as minor dental issues, but they can morph into more serious problems, like the pulp chamber of a tooth being opened up, the visible part of the tooth falling apart due to severe decay, and getting an infection.
Cavities are almost impossible to notice in their early stages. They start as tiny holes that are barely visible to the naked eye. At this stage, the decay can be reversed if a general dentist detects it in time. Once a cavity develops, acids made by bacteria will constantly expand it. It is a slow process, but the cavity will keep getting larger until the pain it causes forces a patient to go to a dentist, the tooth becomes infected, or it falls apart due to damage to its structures.
Fortunately, cavities can be easily treated and a simple trip to the dentist is often all it takes to stop them in their tracks. Here are treatment options that a general dentist might explore.
This infuses the patient’s teeth with fluoride and can reverse minor cavities. A fluoride solution or gel is poured on a mouth tray, and the patient bites down on it. Fluoride treatments also help protect teeth from decay for up to six months.
Fillings have been the most used solution for cavities for over a century. It involves applying a putty-like material to the tooth. This material typically hardens when exposed to saliva or air. Silver amalgam fillings were the most commonly used type of fillings for decades, but their dark color can affect the appearance of teeth that have been repaired with them.
This involves using mixtures of plastic and glass to fill up cavities. The composite used can be color-matched with the shade of the patient’s teeth, so any repairs made look natural. Composite bonding is a non-invasive procedure that can be completed during a single trip to the dentist. It does not require making any alterations to the patient’s tooth.
Crowns are recommended when a cavity has already caused serious damage to a tooth’s structures. The crown keeps the rest of the tooth together and protects it from acids in the mouth. The crown restores the appearance of the damaged tooth and its functionality.
A cavity starts as a minor dental issue that can be easily treated when detected early. Have you noticed one or more cavities on your teeth? Call or visit our Sunnyvale clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://stonecanyondental.com or call Stone Canyon Dental at (972) 996-3191 for an appointment in our Sunnyvale office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Sunnyvale, TX.
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